A new poll released on Tuesday shows that nearly half of American voters would consider voting for a third-party candidate in the 2024 presidential election if President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are the Democratic and Republican nominees.
The poll, conducted by the Pew Research Center, found that 47% of registered voters said they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for a third-party candidate if Biden and Trump were the nominees. This is up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in 2020.
The poll also found that support for third-party candidates is highest among young voters and independents. Among voters under the age of 30, 62% said they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for a third-party candidate. And among independents, 57% said they would do the same.
The poll’s findings suggest that a third-party candidate could have a significant impact on the 2024 election if Biden and Trump are the nominees. If a third-party candidate were to win enough votes to deny either Biden or Trump a majority of the electoral college, the House of Representatives would decide the election.
The poll’s findings come at a time when both Biden and Trump are facing mounting criticism from voters. Biden’s approval rating has been underwater for months, and he is facing challenges from within his own party. Trump, meanwhile, remains a polarizing figure, and his popularity has declined since he left office.
The rise of third-party candidates is a sign of voter dissatisfaction with the two major parties. Many voters feel that neither the Democrats nor the Republicans represent their interests, and they are looking for alternatives.
It remains to be seen whether a third-party candidate will be able to break through in the 2024 election. But the poll’s findings suggest that there is a significant appetite for change among American voters.
